ArtOfficial - Don't Sweat the Technique

Putting a new spin on a hip-hop classic while remaining true to the source material is a delicate task, and it doesn't get more classic than Don't Sweat the Technique, the title track and lead single off Eric B. and Rakim's fourth LP. Are ArtOfficial, who rework the fondly-remembered cut on the latest single off their DJBooth.net-sponsoredThe Payback mixtape, up to the challenge? As far as I'm concerned, the answer is “Hell yes.” Here, instrumentalists Danny Perez, Manny Patino, Ralf Valencia and Keith Cooper deliver a slightly tweaked take on Eric B.'s jazzy beat as emcees Logics and Newsense drop some appropriately retro-informed braggadocio: “They wanna know, how many styles have I ripped and repped / but researchers haven't found all the pieces yet...” What do you think, Booth readers – have the Miami ensemble done justice to the timeless original? If you like what you're hearing and haven't already checked out ArtOfficial's latest street album, um, what are you waiting for? The Payback is available right here in the Booth for free streaming and download.